Nearly 110,000 visitors for 26th SPACE

The 26th edition of the SPACE trade fair, in Rennes, France drew in total 109,035 visitors, of which 11,080 were from abroad (110 countries). This was a 10% increase in foreign visitors in comparison to 2011.

The trade show proved that in spite of a context marked by the soaring cost of raw materials, farmers have big plans for the future.

The 1,300 exhibitors, including 360 from abroad, were spread out across 62,500 m² of stands (a new exhibitor record), equalling 2011 attendance levels (108,907 visitors).

AttendanceThe international attendance was marked by the diversity of visitors’ origins, with a large number of visitors from neighbouring European countries (Spain, Italy, Ireland, Great Britain and Belgium in particular) and large delegations from more distant locations, such as Egypt, Turkey, South-East Asia, West Africa and Brazil. Exhibitors were also pleased to note a significant evolution in the number of international decision-makers (ministers included) and investors present.

Furthermore, these visitors spent several days at the fair.

R&DOn the theme of buildings and equipment for the future, the Research and Development area presented many technological innovations for tomorrow’s livestock farming, which drew many breeders interested in technology and high-performance for their future projects. They also showed interest in this year’s 47 Innov’Space award winners.

Lastly, the official visit of the French president Francois Hollande accompanied by three of his ministers was evidence of his support for agriculture and farming. His first agriculture-themed speech was an opportunity to highlight the importance of this major industry and all those involved in it for their contribution to the national economy, to France’s balance of payments and to the vibrancy of its regions and their employment market.

This speech also enabled the president to present his general plans for the development of a farming industry that produces more and better, to help retain its world ranking and set a major goal for the future.